Consumer Tips

Before you Call

Ideas you should be thinking about.

 

 

• Scope of Project
• General Needs
• Specific Needs or Wants
• Will you be using our ‘Design-Build’ Services or have you already met with an Architect?
• What is your Time Frame
• What is your Budget

Financial / Budgeting

Important planning Issues

 

 

• How to pay for project?
• Bank/home equity loan
• Draws/payment schedule
• Budget based on contract/scope of work
• Actual item selection or allowances
• Change orders
• 10% for overage
• Unforeseen issues

Hiring a Remodler

Choosing your remodeler is the most important decision in a remodeling project. Take your time and be thorough in your search. Here are just a few places to start looking for the best contractor for your job:

Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Nearly half of all projects signed by a contractor are the result of client referrals. An additional 22 percent of jobs are the result of word-of-mouth. These are your best sources for leads:

 

• Relatives
  
  
• Friends
  
  
• Neighbors
  
  
• Business Colleagues
  
  
• Lenders
  
  
• Architects/Designers
  
  
• Real Estate Agents
  
  
• Suppliers
  
  
• Subcontractors
  
  

Other sources include:

 

• The local NARI chapter in your area.
  
  
• Job site signs: Pay particular attention to homes with signs from their contracting company on their lawn. Is the site clean? Are tools and materials being handled in a responsible manner? Are there dust covers over the owner’s belongings to protect them?
  
  
• Local Media Attention: Look for articles about local remodelers. Also check out local home improvement columns in the newspaper and radio talk shows in your area-they can be a great source for finding a qualified, personable contractor.
  
  
• Direct Mail: Some contractors will send direct mail to homeowners within a few blocks of a current job. Call and ask the homeowner if you could tour the project with the contractor.
  
  
• Seminars: Attend local seminars on home improvement topics. Some firms host free seminars on how to choose a remodeler and other interesting remodeling topics. Check your local newspaper community news section for information.
  
  
• Home Shows: This is a somewhat tricky place to interview contractors since they will be surrounded by other consumers. However, this is a great place to gather information about companies and to make an initial contact with the contractors.

Managing Expectation

Understand your project workflow to give everyone ‘peace of mind’.

 

 

• Hi’s and Lo’s
• Disrupt lifestyle
• Dust/Noise
• Pets/Children
• Material storage
• Facility use
• Delays – weather / change orders / materials
• COMMUNICATION
• Problems with breakdown
• Problems with ‘Assumptions’

Basements

• Mold/Moisture issues
• Means of Egress – depending on Township
• Material delivery
• Furniture
• Access panels / utilities
• Extra Bathroom

Bathrooms

• We are a NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler
• Master bathroom suite or upgrade powder room
• Relocate fixtures
• Access for new fixtures
• Plumbing supplier or Home Depot?
• Lots of choices to make

Kitchens

We can help map out your plan.

 

 

• We are a NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler
• Same size / expand?
• Cabinetry – custom / semi-custom
• Appliances
• Counters – Granite/ Corian / Laminate
• Sinks / fixtures
• Flooring
• Lighting
• Ventilation for cooktop / Gas or electric
• How do you cook
• 1 person or many
• Messy or Organized
• Work flow

Home Offices

Electrical requirements, Networking requirements, Accessibility by other family members.

Home Theater

• Work with professionals like World Wide Stereo
• Location – basement
• Sound treatments / construction details
• Cabinetry / component locations

Landscaping

Work with Seel Brothers Landscaping www.seelbrotherslandscaping.com